Michael B. Jordan Eyed for 'Miami Vice' Reboot

Scheduled to engage in preliminary discussions for the role of Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs.

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A recent update has generated increased interest in Universal's long-anticipated Miami Vice revival. The project, discreetly in development for several years, seems to be progressing with significant casting negotiations in progress. Although specifics are limited, initial rumors indicate that Michael B. Jordan may star in the picture, representing a significant advancement in the effort to resurrect the classic 1980s crime drama for cinema.

Michael B. Jordan may portray Ricardo Tubbs in the forthcoming Miami Vice film.

Michael B. Jordan is allegedly in preliminary discussions to portray Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs in the next Universal Pictures revival of Miami Vice, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick).

Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter indicate that negotiations are ongoing as Universal aims for an August 6, 2027, release for the film. Should the agreement be finalized, Jordan will assume one half of the renowned detective pair, while the studio persists in its quest for an actor to embody James Crockett.

The new film revisits the allure and corruption of mid-1980s Miami, directly inspired by the pilot and inaugural season of Anthony Yerkovich’s original NBC series. Eric Warren Singer and Dan Gilroy authored the screenplay derived from Yerkovich's characters. Joseph Kosinski collaborates with Dylan Clark, recognized for The Batman, in producing the picture. Universal has not yet verified any official casting announcements.

The original television series from the 1980s starred Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs. The series became as a cultural landmark, recognized for its pastel aesthetics, musical score, and portrayal of Miami's nightlife. Michael Mann directed a feature film in 2006, with Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, which earned $163.7 million globally.

According to Deadline’s sources, Jordan’s name was discussed for several months prior to Universal formally extending the offer after modifying his schedule. The studio granted him time to finalize post-production on The Thomas Crown Affair, his directorial endeavor for Amazon MGM Studios. Filming on Miami Vice is scheduled to commence in 2026, with plans for IMAX presentation.

Kosinski's adaptation seeks to modernize the franchise for contemporary viewers while preserving the rapid visuals and polished aesthetic that characterized the original series. Universal has not released additional remarks concerning casting or narrative specifics.